Durakon Appoints Andrew Obester as Plant Manager for its New Paint Film Facility in Clinton, TN

Experienced Manufacturing Executive to Oversee Production of Thermoformed Paint Film Products for the Automotive Industry

LAPEER, Mich., March 4 -- Durakon Industries, a leading manufacturer of thermoformed cargo management systems, vehicle protection systems and decorative products for the global automotive marketplace, today announced the appointment of Andrew H. Obester as Plant Manager of its paint film production facility in Clinton, Tennessee that will serve Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) from this North American manufacturing and distribution center.

The new Durakon plant is a state-of-the-art facility that will manufacture OEM thermoformed products for General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and Ford that utilize advanced paint film technology. The company currently produces these products at its facility in Lerma, Mexico. The paint film thermoforming facility in Clinton, Tennessee is on target to open in the second quarter.

Ed Gniewek, President and CEO of Durakon, said, "Durakon's paint film manufacturing operation is key to our future success, and one of our most important facilities. We are pleased that Durakon will have the benefit of Andrew's experience in the automotive paint category to operate and guide this facility as we provide the thermoformed paint film products that our customers increasingly desire. The laminated products have been well received to date, and we expect that, as we continue to work closely with the creative engineers at the auto companies, we will develop innovative new uses for this durable, stylish and cost effective application."

Mr. Obester has served in various management positions in a number of industry sectors. His most recent experience was in the automotive paint category overseeing all aspects of industrial paint plant operations as Plant Manager for X-Cel Industries, Inc., a position he held from 1998 to 2003. In this position he worked closely with the major OEMs who are also many of Durakon's customers. From 1993 to 1996 he was with Mack Industries as Rapid Prototype Manager, and from 1984 to 1993, he was with the U.S. Navy, as well as several maintenance and service companies.

"I am very pleased to be a member of the Durakon team and I look forward to working closely with the experienced management team as we identify new opportunities and initiatives that will grow our business," said Mr. Obester. "The combination of the paint film and extrusion processes is complex, but the final products are outstanding. I look forward to using my experience in the automotive paint sector to help Durakon identify new opportunities for the application of this technology to the interior and exterior of vehicles."

About Durakon

Durakon Industries is a leading manufacturer of thermoformed, cargo management, vehicle protection systems and decorative products for the global automotive marketplace. Its product categories include cargo management systems comprised of tonneau covers and storage assemblies; vehicle protection products comprised of bedliners and van panel protection systems; and, decorative products which encompass offerings such as fascias and components, running boards, stone guards, wheel flares and rocker panels. For more information concerning Durakon visit the website at www.durakon.com.